Dhaka, Oct. 8 -- To modernise the Bangladesh Air Force and strengthen national air defence, the government is preparing to procure 20 Chinese-made J-10CE multirole fighter jets at an estimated cost of $2.20 billion (approximately Tk27,060 crore) by 2027.

The agreement - covering acquisition, training, maintenance, and related logistics - is expected to be executed during FY2025-26 and FY2026-27, either through a direct purchase or a government-to-government arrangement.

According to official documents reviewed by the media, payments will be made in instalments over 10 fiscal years, extending up to FY2035-36.

The J-10CE, the export version of China's J-10C already in service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force, recently drew int...